Welcome to the world of 2023: The year when Gen Z firmly controls and determines the rules. As corporations scramble to their feet, adjusting work environments to meet our needs, marketers are beginning to comprehend the unique values that we bring. But marketing isn’t as easy as it used to be. It’s not just about flashy advertisements or huge sales. Now more than ever, it requires understanding how Gen Z interacts with and learns about brands. Sure, you might know what TikTok is, but do you really understand how Gen Zers use it?
Will the real Gen Z please stand up? 🎤
So, Gen Z-ers– born between ’97 to 2012– is a generation that’s all about technology and authenticity. We want brands that sell cool products and care about the environment, diversity, inclusion, and well-being. You can forget about traditional marketing tactics because we want brands that speak to us personally and genuinely. Some brands that really get us, like Duolingo, Rare Beauty, and Crocs, create inclusive and approachable campaigns that prioritize community and transparency. They use social media to connect with us directly, using language that feels honest and real. We also love when brands use humor and TikTok-like content to make their messaging relatable. Brands like these get that we’re unique, and they celebrate that. To truly resonate, brands must be authentic, speak our language, and understand our values.
Gen Z’s Brand Power: Turning Trends into Tactics 📈
So, it turns out that we Gen Z kids have got some serious brand power. Companies are coming to us for advice on what’s cool and what’s not. Who would have thought? They know that if they want to appeal to us, they need to step up their game. And we’re not afraid to call them out if they don’t meet our standards. Gen Z’s brand power has become increasingly influential in recent years, turning trends into tactics and shaping how we interact with popular brands. One of the most significant contributing factors to this influence has been the rise of influencer culture. Whether it’s beauty products or clothing lines, Gen Z’s preferences have been heavily impacted by how influencers present a product.
The younger generation is more socially conscious, so they expect the same from the brands they support. Consequently, their recommendations have influenced a steady shift in consumer buying habits. While earlier generations may have been loyal to brands because of their cool factor, Gen Z’s perception of brand loyalty has expanded to include a brand’s values and ethics. While that’s not to say that the cool factor isn’t still important, it now has to be paired with a brand’s authenticity and social responsibility.
Get Clout in the Game: Who Gen Z is Looking to for Inspiration 💭
Forget Barney or Dora the Explorer, Gen Z is on the hunt for a new generation of role models. It’s no secret that we’re all about clout, so we’re constantly looking for inspiration from those who have it in the game. From musicians to authors, we want to follow in the footsteps of those who are killing it in their respective fields. We don’t just want to be famous. We want to make a difference while being famous. However, it is also important to note that not all Gen Zers are fans of influencers. Some may feel that influencers can be fake, with a curated and filtered online persona that doesn’t accurately reflect their real-life personality. Stick to being yourself, and we’ll follow.
Memetastic Marketing 🥸
Okay, okay, hear me out: I know memes are so like 2015, but the truth is, we’re still not over them. Maybe it’s how they speak to our souls in a language only Millennials and Gen Z kids can appreciate. Or maybe it’s the fact that they’re the perfect way to share our thoughts and feelings in a quick, easy-to-digest way. Gen Z’s unique sense of humor and digital culture sets us apart from other generations. That’s why using memes and other viral content can be an effective way to connect with us as a target audience. Brands like Wendy’s and Netflix know this well and have mastered the art of memetastic marketing. It shows that these brands have their finger on the pulse of online trends and are not afraid to embrace Gen Z’s sense of humor and values.
Swipe Right on Gen Z Marketing: How to Make Us Match with Your Brand On Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok 🫶
Welcome to the new era, where Gen Z takes over social media platforms! We’re not just scrolling mindlessly through Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok; we’re revolutionizing the way we use them. Gen Z has different preferences and habits when it comes to social media platforms, and brands need to understand these differences to engage with us effectively. For instance, Twitter is fast-paced and gives us immediate real-time access to news, opinions, and current events. We value authenticity and opinion on this platform more than other social media sites.
On the other hand, Instagram leans more towards visually appealing content and aesthetically pleasing feeds. We’re drawn to unique and visually stunning imagery from brands and influencers that can inspire us or represent our values. Brands looking to create a captivating Instagram page may want to focus on creating an aesthetically-pleasing feed and narrative. TikTok, the newest entrant into the game, has become a favorite amongst Gen Z. We are drawn to this platform by its entertainment value with memes, challenges, skits, and dance routines. The family-friendly space has young and old users, creating a diverse community. Brands that recognize and adapt to this trend utilize it to showcase their human side. The platform’s appeal is its ‘For You Page’ (FYP), a personalized content feed where every user gets unique recommendations based on previous engagements. Brands can reach new consumers they may not have considered through the FYP algorithm, which considers user preferences and habits. By understanding these platforms’ different uses and appeals, brands can use these insights to engage with Gen Z in a way that resonates with us the most.
No Cap: Tips on Reaching Out to Gen Z with Authenticity 🧢
Are you struggling to connect with Gen Z? We’re a pretty unique breed, but don’t worry, I got you covered with some tips on how to reach us authentically. First, ditch the salesy jargon and speak our language. That means less corporate talk and more emojis. Second, show us you care about more than profits. We appreciate companies that give back to the community and support social causes. Third, be true to who you are, don’t pretend to be something you’re not just to appeal to us. Finally, make sure your online presence is on point. We spend most of our time scrolling through Instagram and TikTok anyways. Follow these tips, and you might win over the hearts (and wallets) of Gen Z. No fluff, no BS. We’re looking for realness and transparency.
In conclusion, Gen Z has revolutionized how companies strive for success in the 21st century. We’ve shaped a new wave of corporate visibility by embracing tech-savvy alternatives to traditional influencer promotion, fostered the reemergence of meme content, and created an entirely new system of navigating social media platforms. All in all, if companies want to stay up-to-date and appeal to our tastes, they need to establish authenticity and respond to us honestly.
